Titans’ Cam Ward gets a new best friend in Carnell Tate with No. 4 pick

The Tennessee Titans weren’t swayed by Carnell Tate’s subpar 40 time, and they didn’t let him get to other teams who expected to have a shot. Also, Cam Ward got a new best friend in wide receiver Carnell Tate with the Titans’ No. 4 pick.

A lot of speculation had the Titans taking running back Jeremiyah Love. But he went off the board at No. 3 to the Cardinals. Tate turned into an interesting consolation prize for the Titans.

Tate, formerly of Ohio State, became the first wide receiver to come off the board, eclipsing Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State.

What did the Titans get with WR Carnell Tate?

Route running is Tate’s specialty, and that should help Ward. He is technically proficient, according to The Athletic.

“Tate is a long, technically proficient receiver who can win at all three levels using high-level tracking/adjustment skills and catching radius,” Dane Brugler wrote. “He projects as an immediate NFL starting Z with Pro Bowl upside.

“Thanks to his tall, angular frame, Tate eats up ground with long strides and uses gear changes to establish leverage or create vertical separation. He has only average snap out of breaks, but wins more with pacing and body control than suddenness.”

There are some question marks. But the Titans were in desperate need of an offensive weapon. And with Love off the board, they pivoted to what they felt was the next best thing.

Tate is projected as a Year 1 starter, according to NFL.com. But there’s still work to do.

“Tate has good size but would benefit from more play strength,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “He builds momentum quickly on intermediate and deep routes, utilizing speed and tempo to pressure cornerbacks. He can win over the top on verticals or separate over the first two levels with route savvy and separation burst.

“Tate tracks throws at top speed and makes his adjustments to run under them. He combines timing, body control, and catch radius to dominate air space and consistently lands on the winning side of contested catches. Pass catching comes effortlessly with soft, strong hands.”

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